The First Foldable iPhone: What Is Known About Apple's New Device. Apple is preparing its first foldable smartphone, which could become a bridge between a phone and a tablet. According to leaks, the device will feature an interface similar to the iPad and introduce new usage scenarios. Expectations, details, and timelines—in this article.
The emergence of foldable smartphones has become one of the main trends in recent years, but until now Apple had stayed out of this race. Now the situation is changing: according to several sources, the company is working on its first foldable device, which the press is calling the iPhone Fold. Interest in the new product is fueled not only by rumors of an unusual form factor, but also by expectations that Apple will offer not just another smartphone with a flexible display, but a fundamentally new user experience.
Interface and Use Cases
The key feature of the upcoming device is an interface that, when opened, will resemble an iPad. As Bloomberg notes, it’s not about a standard iPhone simply becoming larger, but a gadget capable of replacing a compact tablet. Users will be able to open two apps simultaneously, which is convenient for reading, taking notes, or multitasking without constantly switching between windows. This approach could make the device appealing for those who value mobility but are not willing to sacrifice functionality.
Design Details
According to leaks, the internal screen will have a 4:3 aspect ratio—closer to the format of a small notebook than the elongated displays of modern smartphones. The size of the inner panel is expected to be about 7.8 inches, while the outer display will be around 5.5 inches. For comparison, the iPad mini currently features an 8.3-inch screen. Thus, the iPhone Fold could fill the niche between a regular phone and a compact tablet, while remaining portable enough for everyday use.
Technical features
According to recent data, the device's design will differ from the iPhone Pro lineup. It is expected to feature a dual rear camera, a front camera embedded in the screen, and the return of Touch ID — a fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button. This choice is explained by the need to save space: a foldable body requires compact solutions. In addition, the device will likely retain the Dynamic Island feature — a dynamic area for notifications and active tasks at the top of the screen.
Project status and timeline
Despite numerous leaks, Apple has yet to reveal either the official name or the exact launch date of the device. The names iPhone Fold and iPhone Ultra remain mere rumors. According to Reuters, the company is aiming for the second half of 2026, but a release could be postponed until 2027. This means the official announcement is still some time away, and plans may change as development continues.
Practical value
Potential buyers need to assess how useful the new format will be in daily life. The main question is whether a large foldable screen will actually make it more efficient to work, read, or interact with multiple apps. Before making a decision, it's worth considering the predicted screen sizes, the specifics of unlocking (Touch ID instead of Face ID), as well as the fact that the final name and launch dates are still unconfirmed.
A possible revolution
The success of the first foldable iPhone will depend not only on the quality of its design but also on how well the device can replace two gadgets at once—a smartphone and a tablet. If Apple manages to create a convenient and functional interface, the new product could become popular among those looking for a universal solution for work and leisure. For now, we can only wait for official news and closely follow the development of the project.
